Revised United States Army regulations of 1861, with an appendix containing the changed and laws affecting Army regulations and Articles of war to June 25, 1863:

REVISED REGULATIONS
Sentinels.
officers, and sentinels of the guard. Interior guards receive the countersign only when ordered by the commander of the troops.
402 The parole is imparted to such officers only as have a right to
visit the guards, and to make the grand rounds; and to officers conmmanding guards.
403. As soon as the new guard has been marched off, the officer of the
day will repair to the office of the commanding officer and report for
orders.
404. The officer of the day must see that the officer of the guard is
furnished with the parole and countersign before retreat.
405. The officer of the day visits the guards during the day at such
times as he may deem necessary, and makes his rounds at night at least
once after 12 o'clock.
406. Upon being relieved, the officer of the day will make such
remarks in the report of the officer of the guard as circumstances require,
and present the same at head-quarters.
407. Commanders of guards leaving their posts to visit their sentinels,
or on other duty, are to mention their intention, and the probable time
of their absence, to the next in command.
408. The officers are to remain constantly at their guards, except while
visiting their sentinels, or necessarily engaged elsewhere on their proper
duty.
409. Neither officers nor soldiers are to take off their clothing or
accoutrements while they are on guard.
410. The officer of the guard must see that the countersign is duly
communicated to the sentinels a little before twilight.
411. When a fire breaks out, or any alarm is raised in a garrison, all
guards are to be immediately under arms.
412. Inexperienced officers are put on guard as supernumeraries, for
the purpose of instruction
413. Sentinels will not take orders or allow themselves to be relieved,
except by an officer or non-commissioned officer of their guard or party,
the officer of the day, or the commanding officer; in which case the
orders will be immediately notified to the commander of the guard by
the officer giving them.
414. Sentinels will report every breach of orders or regulations they
are instructed to enforce.
415. Sentinels must keep themselves on the alert, observing every
thing that takes place within sight and hearing of their post. They will
carry their arms habitually at support, or on either shoulder, but will
never quit them. In wet weath r, if there be no sentry-box, they will
secure arms.
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